Asia Gaming Weekly News Bulletin – ISSUE 19 Week of 16 June 2025
(1) Police shut down gambling network with US$384 million in transactions
Korean police have shut down a massive overseas-based illegal gambling ring that used female dealers and corporate tactics to earn over 27 billion won in profits, arresting 32 people and seizing millions in assets.
(2) Japan tightens rules against offshore gambling by banning promotion of overseas casinos
Japan has passed a law banning the promotion of overseas online casinos to curb illegal gambling and raise public awareness, especially among young people.
(3) The Hong Kong Jockey Club welcomes HKSAR Government approval to increase the maximum number of simulcasts to combat illegal betting
The Hong Kong Jockey Club will increase Simulcast quotas from 2025/26 to boost legal betting, combat illegal gambling, and promote Hong Kong’s global racing profile and tourism.
(4) Thai employees of casinos in Poipet prohibited from crossing into Cambodia
Thailand has banned its citizens from crossing into Cambodia for casino and gambling-related work amid rising tensions and efforts to crack down on illegal activities.
(1) Police shut down gambling network with US$384 million in transactions
(Photo Credit: South Chungcheong Police Agency)
Korean police have dismantled a large illegal online gambling network that generated over 530 billion won (US$384 million) in transactions and earned 27.1 billion won in illicit profits. The operation, which was run across eight sites based in Southeast Asia, primarily offered sports betting and card games like baccarat. It targeted users via encrypted messaging apps and featured female dealers and live sports streaming to draw in male clients.
The ring was structured like a corporation, with dedicated promotional and operational teams. Police launched an investigation after discovering that teenagers were being hired to advertise the sites. So far, 32 people have been arrested, with 13 formally detained. Authorities found the group had been actively expanding its network while hiding its tracks using burner phones, false bank accounts and constant restructuring of websites.
Law enforcement agencies have blocked access to the sites, seized assets worth 9.2 billion won, and are continuing to trace user funds. The National Tax Service has been notified to reclaim the illegal profits. Police say they will keep up their crackdown on illegal online gambling and are also working with schools and communities to prevent underage involvement.
News Source: https://koreajoongangdaily.joins.com/news/2025-06-19/national/socialAffairs/Police-shut-down-gambling-network-with-384-million-in-transactions/2334092
(2) Japan tightens rules against offshore gambling by banning promotion of overseas casinos
(Photo Credit: Yogonet Gaming News)
Japan’s parliament has passed new legislation to crack down on offshore online gambling, making it illegal to promote or advertise foreign-based casinos to users in Japan. Even though these casinos may be legal in places like Curaçao or Malta, using them from Japan remains a criminal offence. The revised law, which targets banner ads, influencer content, affiliate links, and social media promotions, is expected to come into effect three months after its formal announcement.
Although the law introduces no criminal penalties, it gives authorities more power to remove illegal content and label it as such. The National Police Agency (NPA), alongside the Internet Hotline Centre, will coordinate takedown efforts and publish enforcement guidelines. Japan is also urging foreign regulators to help block access to these sites and discourage Japanese users by removing local-language interfaces and displaying warnings.
Authorities are particularly concerned about the rise in online gambling among young people, with surveys revealing low awareness that it is illegal in Japan. Officials blame misleading marketing and are distributing 100,000 educational leaflets to combat the problem. Technical site-blocking measures are under review, though these raise privacy concerns and will be assessed by legal experts. Officials hope the new rules will reduce gambling harm and illegal access to online casinos.
News Source: https://www.yogonet.com/international/news/2025/06/18/108588-japan-tightens-rules-against-offshore-gambling-by-banning-promotion-of-overseas-casinos
(3) The Hong Kong Jockey Club welcomes HKSAR Government approval to increase the maximum number of simulcasts to combat illegal betting
(Photo Credit: Reuters)
The Hong Kong Jockey Club has welcomed the HKSAR Government’s approval to gradually raise Simulcast quotas over the next two racing seasons. Starting from 2025/26, the number of Simulcast Races will increase from 25 to 40, and then to 55 in 2026/27, while Simulcast Days will rise from 37 to 53 and eventually to 70. The Club believes this move will help reduce illegal gambling by providing more legal betting opportunities.
As a committed partner of the Government in tackling unlawful betting, the Club provides regulated platforms to steer the public away from unauthorised channels. With these increased quotas, the Club will be able to showcase most of the world’s top-tier horse races, strengthening its efforts to combat illegal gambling on non-local events.
The arrangement also supports the Club’s goal of promoting Hong Kong as a hub for international racing. By boosting racing tourism and highlighting Hong Kong’s global sporting presence, the initiative is expected to contribute to both the city’s economy and wider social development.
News Source: https://corporate.hkjc.com/corporate/corporate-news/english/2025-06/news_2025061801842.aspx
(4) Thai employees of casinos in Poipet prohibited from crossing into Cambodia
(Photo Credit: Asia Gaming Brief)
Thailand has barred its citizens from crossing into Cambodia to work in casinos, gambling sites, and entertainment venues in Poipet, as part of new border control measures enforced by the Thai Army. The ban also applies to travel for ‘gambling purposes’ and will remain in place from 17 June 2025 until lifted by authorities.
The move follows escalating tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, with both countries exchanging restrictions (most recently Cambodia’s ban on importing fresh fruit and vegetables from Thailand). Although Thailand initially focused on targeting illegal casinos and scams near the border, the new measures now affect legal operations as well.
Officials say the tightened controls come ahead of the long-delayed Thai-Cambodian Joint Boundary Commission meeting. The aim is to dismantle unlawful activities along the border, but the impact on workers in legitimate businesses has added a new layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute.
News Source: https://agbrief.com/news/thailand/18/06/2025/thai-employees-of-casinos-in-poipet-prohibited-from-crossing-into-cambodia/
